14 Not to Miss Fairs & Festivals in October

Posted by: Sarah Graves - September 29, 2016

From food trucks and carnival rides to pumpkin picking and hayrides, October is full of not to miss fairs and festivals. Enjoy some free family fun at many of these fall events. Explore history, arts, crafts, food, adventure and more with things to do for the whole family.

Snyder Farm Fall FestivalEvery Weekend in October586 S Middlebush Rd SomersetJoin in the fun at Snyder's Farm annual Fall Festival. Hayrides, corn maze, pumpkin picking, corn and pumpkin cannons, pedal carts, potato sack slide and so many more fun activities. Grab a cup of hot apple cider and a cider donut, or some of Snyder's own blueberry and strawberry ice cream made by a local homemade ice cream shop. It's fun for the whole family!

DiggerFest at Diggerland-USA100 Pinedge Drive, Berlin TownshipEvery Saturday and Sunday in October your full-day admission ticket gets you access to all of the rides and attractions at Diggerland USA but also includes these additional features: Diggerland’s Hay Ride, Pick-your-own Pumpkins at our Pumpkin Patch (for children 12 and under), Pumpkin Launching (Purchase of pumpkins to launch is additional), and Halloween Weekend Costume Contests (for children in costume)

Foodstock Rahway - Rock the CauseOct 13 City Hall Plaza, RahwayMayor Samson D. Steinman and the Rahway City Council invite you to a City of Rahway Live Music Benefit Against Hunger. Foodstock Rahway - Rock the Cause will be held on Sat Oct 1 from 1pm - 5pm outside the Rahway Recreation Center featuring live music, BBQ, prizes and more.

ChowderfestOct 1 -2Taylor Avenue ball field, Ninth Street and Taylor Avenue in Beach Haven (across from Schooner’s Wharf and Bay Village)Chowderfest Weekend has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say good bye to summer and welcome the fall. Join them on Sat, Oct 1 for the fabulous Merchant Mart (free admission) where local vendors offer the best deals of the season, and Sun, Oct 2 for the Chowder Cook Off Classic (a ticketed event). Chowderfest Weekend goes on rain or shine.

Wheaton Arts Festival of Fine Craft}Oct 1 – 21501 Glasstown Road, MillvilleOffers two days of an art and shopping experience for the entire family that features over 130 artists and craftspeople that will present and sell traditional and contemporary works. Artist Demonstrations, Hands-On Family Activities, Musical Entertainment, Specialty Foods, Glass Pumpkin Patch, and more. From inspired paintings, decorative ceramics and novel jewelry, to innovative wood sculptures and vibrant wearable fashions, the festival offers something exciting for everyone.

Oktoberfest in Historic SmithvilleOct 1 – 21 North New York Road, SmithvilleSmithville presents over 100 Juried Crafters, an International Food Court, Music, Kids Activities, non- Profit organizations and more. All of this food and fun in addition to over 60 shoppes, Carousel rides, Train rides, Paddleboats, 7 eateries, and antique arcades that grace the Smithville Village year round. There are a lot of fun kid’s activities such as giant jumping house, duck pond game and face painting.

Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic FestivalOct 8Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, AugustaThis Festival is a celebration of agritourism, ecotourism and arts & heritage tourism. There will be a farmers market where you can buy fresh, local Sussex County and Jersey Fresh products including fruit, vegetables, flowers and wine. The Sussex County Beekeepers Association will have educational displays and materials along with an array of honey products. For those who are into all things garlic, you'll have plenty to choose from with the Garden State Garlic Growers. There will be activities geared for children and lots of vendors for the adults. The Sussex County Harvest, Honey and Garlic Festival is a free, family event.

Autumn Timber Festival at Shawnee Mountain Ski AreaOct 8 – 9401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301Catch a glimpse of nature’s splendor at beautiful Shawnee Mountain Ski Area during prime fall foliage time in the Poconos! Join them for this action packed autumn event including lumberjack competitions, blacksmith demos by Jim Doherty, saw mill demos, chainsaw sculptures, live music, children’s activities and food & craft vendors galore. New this year! The Classic K-9 Show is known internationally as the most memorable and enjoyable canine arena show for audiences of all ages.

The Irish Festival in Historic SmithvilleOct 8 – 91 North New York Road, SmithvilleMusic entertainment throughout the day. An Irish Market, with lots of vendors, located right outside the Colonial Inn bed and Breakfast, in the Village Greene parking lot. Children’s activities, a food court, and Mist of Ireland dancers, will be performing throughout the day.

Keyport Screamin Country JamboreeOct 8 – 9American Legion Drive, KeyportWalk along the beautiful waterfront of Keyport for a Country Jamboree. The event will be filled with non-stop country music, amusement rides, vendors and delicious festival foods. You will be dancing in the streets. So get your cowboy boots out and be prepared to have fun.